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Kane County victim services says program served 224 clients last year, outlines resources and new grant
Summary
Devon Shakespeare told the county commission the victim-services program served 224 clients from April 2024–April 2025, nearly half for domestic violence or child abuse, and has applied for a two-year grant (up to $21,000 per year). She laid out legal, counseling and emergency services available to victims locally.
Devon Shakespeare, a representative of the county victim services program, told the Kane County Commission on April 22 that her office served 224 clients between April 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025 and is seeking a two-year grant that would pay up to $21,000 per year.
Shakespeare said about 50% of clients were victims of domestic violence or child sexual abuse, with other cases including stalking, harassment, adult physical assault, burglary, violation of protective orders and theft. ‘‘Last month, I submitted our grant application for our upcoming grant cycle. It’ll actually be a two-year cycle this year — each year will be $21,000,’’ Shakespeare said.
She described services available locally: help applying for the state Crime Victim Reparations program (which can cover medical costs, lost earnings, relocation and therapy), a Safe at Home address-confidentiality program that requires certified-advocate enrollment, and protective-order assistance through the Certified Advocate Partner (CAP) program. Shakespeare said the Children’s Justice Center interviews children ages 7–18 and that in the past year the center’s youngest client was 7. For adults, the program contracts with local counseling partners to provide free therapy for victims.
Shakespeare also described the program’s role navigating the criminal-justice process: ‘‘Looking at the last year, I did over 1,200 criminal-justice services — notifications of hearings, help with restitution, victim-impact statements, meetings with prosecutors or law enforcement,’’ she said. She encouraged anyone with concerns about child abuse to report to local dispatch, city police, the sheriff’s office or the statewide Department of Child and Family Services hotline, which is staffed 24/7.
Commissioners asked follow-up questions about how many families the Children’s Justice Center served and whether clients were repeat victims; Shakespeare said most were new clients though some had repeat victimization. The presentation concluded with thanks from commissioners and an acknowledgment of the program’s role in county services.
What’s next: Shakespeare said the grant application is pending and the office will return with further updates if the funding is approved.
